Travellers to carry out mass memorial pony and trap ride from Sunderland to Whitburn

Ross Robertson

More than 20 pony and trap riders are expected to parade through Sunderland on Sunday.

Police and council chiefs are warning of potential traffic disruption as the mass ride takes place from Witherwack to Whitburn and back on a looped route which takes in the seafront. The expected route is shown in the map.

A spokesman for Sunderland City Council said: "We have been advised by Northumbria Police that members of the travelling community are intending to hold a memorial horse and trap ride on Sunday 25th June 2017.

"It is anticipated that 20+ participants will depart Witherwack at approximately 11am, riding to Whitburn Social Club and back later in the day.

"We expect that there may be some localised traffic disruption as a result, however with the co-operation and goodwill of the participants and other highway users we hope this can be kept to a minimum."